Central Bhutan Tour -15 Days

This central Bhutan tour tosses you deep into the heart of the beautiful Bhumtang valley, often referred as the “Switzerland of Bhutan”. The tour begins with a sightseeing of Paro valley, where we get the opportunity to explore the spectacular Tiger Nest Monastery. As we drive ahead towards Thimphu, the prudent capital of Bhutan, we can witness several ancient monasteries and the beautiful botanical garden here. Our route now crosses the Dochu La pass at 3116m; the incredible sight of 108 stupas and a temple will certainly amuse you. While at Trongsa, we pay a visit to the golden roofed temple. Cruising further, as we enter Bhumtang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, we are again greeted by an array of Dzongs, temples and a Swiss Farm. We then drive back to Paro, from where we board a flight to Kathmandu the very next day.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Paro (2200m/1 hour)

Day 04: Paro valley sightseeing (Hike to the famed Tiger Nest Monastery -3120m/1hour) and back to Paro (2200m)

Day 13: Excursion from Paro to Haa Village (2670m) and drive back to Paro (2200m/1 hour)

Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu

Day 15: Final departure

Important Snippets

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks, which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

Bhutan Government owned, ‘Druk Air’, in the only operational airlines flying in and out of Bhutan. Hence, the ‘Druk Air’ tickets will have to be booked at least 2-3 months in advance as they get sold out pretty early.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your hotel. After you are greeted with welcome drinks at the hotel, we will have a quick pre-trip meeting to discuss on the necessary formalities and trekking itinerary. You can then check in to your room, freshen up and rest. Or if you are not one of those “lay back” types, you can take a stroll around the vicinity of your hotel and get the feel of this hyperactive capital city of Nepal. On the streets, people seem to be on sheer rush, barely noticing one another, but if you utter “Namaste”, they will definitely reciprocate with a smile! Well, that’s Nepal’s Nepalese for you. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

Short stroll in the evening yesterday might not have acquainted you to Kathmandu. So we want to make sure that you know this city like you know yourself. Once done with your breakfast, let’s hop in to our reserved vehicle and then head on for a comfy ride with one of our experienced city guides. You will be visiting the most renowned historical/cultural landmarks in Kathmandu. Our guide will take you to the Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Boudhanath (the Maha Stupa) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. All these sites are enlisted in the UNESCO world’s heritage list. After this informative and interesting tour, we drive back through the busy and noisy streets of Kathmandu to the serene premises of your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Paro (2200m/1 hour)

A spectacular flight through mountainous valleys for around 60 minutes, eventually lands us on the mystique Kingdom of Bhutan. The beautiful airport is the first glimpse of what’s ahead. On arrival, after clearing customs and immigration, we exit the terminal, and will be drive to our hotel in Paro. After the refreshing drinks at the hotel, we head on for short hikes to some explore-worthy landmarks nearby. The National Museum housed in a 12th century watchtower and the Kyichu Lhakhang and a local nunnery. Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 04: Paro valley sightseeing (Hike to the famed Tiger Nest Monastery -3120m/1hour) and back to Paro(2200m)

This is the day to familiarize ourselves to this amazing city so we would probably want to make the most of it. After the succulent breakfast at the hotel, we make an early start for a hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest/3120m), boisterously poised at the cliff, some 800m above the valley floor. After completing the first half of this 60 minutes’ hike, we stop at the tea house on the way for some tea. Mustering our zeal and strength, we head on accomplish the strenuous second half of this trek. On eaching the monastery, we can witness amazing vista of the valley from the top. We get the feel as if we are in limbo somewhere between the sky and the earth. This monastery has an interesting anecdote. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche (the Buddhist spiritual master) flew to this mountain on the back of a Tigress bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Monastery permits will be obtained if possible to allow you to enter the temple where Guru Rimpoche meditated for several years. On our way back we halt for lunch at one of the teahouses. We then proceed to visit the Drukygel Dzong, which offers a marvelous view of Mt Jomolhari from its ruined ramparts. Local archery may be in progress. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 05: Drive from Paro to Thimphu (2350m/1 hour)

Depart this morning for Thimphu, a lovely drive of about 1 hour along the valley floor. We can witness the immaculately tended rice terraces and traditional Bhutanese homes with their colorful woodwork and whitewashed walls decorated with Buddhist motifs astonishingly clung to the hillsides. Depending on the season, chilies may be drying on the rooftops or on the fields. Upon arrival at Thimphu, we check in to our hotel. After lunch at the hotel or a local restaurant, the remainder of the day can be spent on city sights including the National Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum and the Memorial Chorten dedicated to the late Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 06: Sightseeing in Thimphu

It’s the day to literally rummage through every nook and corner of Thimphu, so that we get well acquainted to this prudent capital of Bhutan. After breakfast, we head on to visit the Sangaygang viewpoint for a wonderful vista over the entire valley. Visiting the Botanical Gardens including a small park with odd looking Takin, would also be very interesting. After lunch, we can hike to either the Tangbo Monastery or to the Phajodring Monastery (time permitting). The Tangbo hike is short (but steep) and offers fantastic views of snow covered peaks and the valley below. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

We drive from Thimphu to Punakha via the Dochu-la pass. This journey takes about 3 - 4 hours. On a clear day you can see the whole Himalayan range the 108 memorial chortens that mark the top of the pass. After a brief stop at the pass to witness the fascinating panorama, we continue to the Punakha valley, renowned for one of the most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan, the winter seat of the monk body from Paro. Once at Paro, we check in to our hotel. After lunch (if interested), we drive up the valley for our afternoon hike to the Khamsum Chorten, built in honor of the present King by his mother. The view from the top is well worth the climb as is the beautiful artwork within the temple. Overnight at hotel in Punakha; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 08: Drive from Punakha to Gangtey (2900m/5 - 6 hours)

On the way to Gangtey, we visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, spanning the Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers, which dissect this beautiful valley. This is one of the finest examples of Dzong architecture in the country and you may saunter along its many courtyards. We the drive ahead to Wandgue, crossing the river dominated by the Wandgue Phrodang Dzong and after a brief stop for refreshments at a local teashop, the drive continues over the black mountains to the Probjikha valley. The scenery changes dramatically from verdant forest to dwarf bamboo, before entering the Probjikha Valley and ascending to an elevation of about 3,000 metres to Gangtey. Time allowing you can take a walk around the valley or visit the Crane Observation Centre. The rare black crane migrates from Yunan in China in October. To protect the cranes’ environment, the valley is solar heated and there are no telephone wires. Afternoon witness Black neck crane festival and mixed with the local people and interact. Overnight at hotel in Gangtey; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

We depart for Bhumtang via Trongsa. The magnificent Dzong at Trongsa marks the border between East and West Bhutan. This golden roofed Dzong appears to be tantalizingly close, but it takes a further 21 kilometers drive to actually reach there, after the first glimpse. After visiting the Dzong and Watchtower, we continue to the Bhumtang Valley in the heart of Bhutan, where rice paddies give way to fields of maize and orchards. Overnight at teahouse in Bhumtang; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10: Sightseeing in Bhumtang

Let’s begin the sightseeing in Bhumtang, visiting some of the most renowned sites like Jamphel Lhakhang, Kurjee Monastery, Tamshing Lhakhang. In the afternoon, we drive to visit Member Tscho, Swiss Farm House, Jakar Dzong, Namkhenimpo Lhakhang and take an explorative stroll around a small town called Chamkhar. We then drive back to Bhumtang. Overnight at teahouse in Bhumtang; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: Drive from Bhumtang to Wangdue (1350m/2 - 3 hours)

We drive back out of the Bhumtang Valley, over the black mountains towards Wangdue. Overnight at hotel in Wangdue; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 12: Drive from Wang due to Paro (2200m/2-3 hours) via Thimphu (2350m)

We take an early drive to Thimphu, where we have lunch and a chance to make any purchases before continuing on to Paro. A visit to the weekend markets and the government sponsored handicrafts centre to make last minute purchases, would be fun. Later in the afternoon continue on to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 13: Excursion from Paro to Haa Village (2670m) and drive back to Paro (2200m/1 hour)

A half day excursion to the beautiful Haa Valley will be arranged for today. If you would like to make an alternative arrangement, please consult your guide. Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 14: Flight from Paro to Kathmandu

After savoring an early breakfast at the hotel, we drive to the airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon your arrival and Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your designated hotel. You have a lot of spare time. So after lunch, you can go for some souvenir shopping at Thamel.
The fun is not over yet. We have saved the best for the last. In the evening Marron Treks will host a farewell dinner cum a cultural program, featuring a range of traditional Nepali cuisines. Forget who you are or where you came from. Savor the Nepali dishes, dance to the tunes of Nepali folk songs…be a Nepali at least for this evening! You will then be driven back to your hotel where you can do the packing and take a contented sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.

Day 15: Final departure

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!
Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Important Snippets

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks, which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

Bhutan Government owned, ‘Druk Air’, in the only operational airlines flying in and out of Bhutan. Hence, the ‘Druk Air’ tickets will have to be booked at least 2-3 months in advance as they get sold out pretty early.

During the trek, you will be accommodated in a Tea House/ Lodge or Trekking Inn. Most of these lodges and teahouses cater good services and are equipped with modern amenities. We will endeavor to provide you the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.

While in Bhutan, you will be accommodated in 3-4 Star lodges and hotels in Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha etc as per your requirement.

Meals

We never compromise with the quality of food, as we are concerned about the health of our clients as well as staff members. Generally, we opt for the locally available fresh and nutritious community food, viz. dried meat cooked with hot chilies, Ema Datshi (vegetarian dish made out of cheese and chili) etc, so that you have the opportunity to taste something new and also get a real sense of the native culture and life patterns. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc. are also available at the restaurants for your retreat.

Best Months

The month of January-May & September-December are considered to be best months for Central Bhutan Tour.

Our Guides

Guides play the most significant role in trekking. Marron Treks has literate, experienced and helpful trekking guides who are multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to Bhutan. Hence your trek becomes informative as well as entertaining.

Access to enter Bhutan

Bhutan is well connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutanese Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom. The country's only airport is situated at Paro and two flights a week from Kathmandu (Nepal).

Travel Insurance

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you makes you trip safe and hassle free.

Bhutan Visa Requirement

Unlike other countries, Bhutanese Visa can be obtained only after entering the country itself as it does not have any embassy abroad. Hence, after Marron Treks receives your booking confirmation, you need to send us the details below along with the copies of your valid passport and recent PP sized photograph. We will then initiate your visa processing. It takes about 2 weeks for the visa to be granted. The visa application has to be submitted to the Department of Tourism in Bhutan and then finally it is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But we do not want you to get into the rigmaroles of doing this all by yourself. All you need to do is send us the details below (along with the copies of passport and recent pp sized photograph) and we will take care of the rest in coordination with our agent in Bhutan. You will get the visa upon your arrival at the airport in Bhutan. You are entitled to pay the nominal visa fee of US $20. Visa extension fee for a period not exceeding six months is NU510 (US $ 8.24). Since the tourist visas are issued for the full period of stay in Bhutan, it is very unlikely that you would need a visa extension. Please note that the above conditions apply to all the nationalities except the Indians. The Indian citizens do not require a visa or a passport, but they need to provide some form of identification such as a copy of driving license, citizenship etc. along with five copies of PP sized photographs. Generally, they are issued a permit of 14 days which can be extended as necessary.

Full Name: ……………………………………………………

Permanent Address: ………………………………………………

Place of Birth: ………………………………………………………

Date of Birth: ………………………………………………………

Nationality:…………………………………………………………

Nature of Passport: Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary/UN Laisser-Passer.

Passport Number: …………………………………………………

Date of Issue: …………………………………………………………

Place of Issue: ………………………………………………………

Date of Expiry:………………………………………………………

Occupation/Profession

Period for which visa is required: …………………………………

Point of Entry/Exit into Bhutan: Entry: ………………Exit: ………

Purpose of visiting Bhutan: …………………………………………

Is this first visit to Bhutan? YES /NO. If not, give details of your earlier visit.

Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).

Tip for tour guides, driver and hotel lobby staff. (Tipping is expected but not mandatory).

Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.

Other expenses not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section above.

Since we are not trekking to soaring altitudes, we do not actually have to travel with a cartload of gears. Traveling light is the best way to travel, but yes we need to make sure that we don't miss out the necessary items. Here's a suggestive list for you, but you needn't be so strict about it and can always have your own checklist.

Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items in this list asthey are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the tripCamera, memory card and battery charger

GPS unit Altimeters
Binoculars Books and magazines

Departure Date

Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the tour packages. We operate group as well as individual/private tours. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.

Trip Facts

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request)

Trip Type: Private Tour

Trip Grade: Easy

Transportation: Flight/Private car

Highest Elevation: Tiger Nest Monastery (3120m)

Lowest Elevation: Punakha (1310)

Average Trekking Hour: 1 Hour

Average Driving Hours: 3 Hours

Trip Commences From: Kathmandu (1400m)

TripTerminates At: Kathmandu (1400m)

Best Months: Jan-May & Sep-Dec

Trip Highlights

Interesting and informative tour around Kathmandu valley with an experienced city guide, visiting the most renowned historical and cultural landmarks herein

Scenic flight to Paro which offers the magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks and the lush green Paro valley